Downing Appointed Honorary Chair of Mass College Democrats
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The College Democrats of Massachusetts are the official college outreach wing of the Massachusetts Democratic Party and a branch of the College Democrats of America. Their goal is to advocate for college students living in Massachusetts and for pro-student policies and legislation in the Commonwealth. The College Democrats of Massachusetts are committed to electing strong, progressive democrats to office across the state. Twenty active chapters operate statewide.
Downing, a Pittsfield native and alumni of Providence College and Tufts University’s Department of Urban and Environment Policy and Planning, is serving his second term as senator from the Berkshire, Hampshire and Franklin District. Downing plays an active role in the Massachusetts Democratic Party, focusing on increased youth participation as the co-chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Party Youth Services Committee.
"We appointed Senator Downing to our Honorary Chair position because of the advocacy, integrity and humility he has shown in office,” said President Pat Johnson. "Ben Downing is someone we all want to emulate as young people in politics, and because of the values he holds we find it fitting that he fills this seat which was for many years held by the late U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy."
"Being appointed to a role previously filled by Senator Kennedy is an extreme honor,” said Downing. "The College Democrats of Massachusetts play a vital role in getting young voters active in politics. It is never too early to start advocating for what you believe in, and for this reason I am proud to serve as Honorary Chair and help this organization fulfill its stated mission."
The College Democrats of Massachusetts is now planning its 2010 Convention, to be held April 9-11th at Smith College in Northampton. Visit www.macollegedems.org for more details.